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I love to make lists. With check boxes, so I can check thing’s off as I go. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, checking a box. A list I have been meaning to make since school ended is a Summer To Do List (of fun things!). So, I decided to feed two kids with one apple (my rendition of  kill two birds with one stone, who would want to kill a bird?) and publish my list here, to share with everyone!

Jill’s Summer To Do List

Go to a concert – Whether it be the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Country Rocks the Commons, the Black Eyed Peas or Backstreet Boys. I want to see a concert this summer! Concerts are so light hearted and fun. It’s a good way to get out of the office!

Go to the beach (more than once) – Every summer I say, “I’m going to go to the beach more.” And every summer I end up going once, MAYBE two times if I’m lucky. So this summer I am going to try my very best to get to the beach as often as possible!

Take dance lessons – Dance lessons would be so much fun! Especially if you’re not a good dancer (like myself), but if you feel like you don’t want to commit to dance lessons, do something like Zumba at the gym! At MSVU it’s only $6 a class, and anyone can drop it! The instructor is great, and its a lot of fun. Definitely worth trying out.

Brush up on cooking skills – I am not a very good cook, so for those of us who don’t cook well we can try and make some time this summer to try some [new] recipes (aka try a recipe). And for those really good cooks, go on allrecipes.com and try one of their Top 10 recipes!

Try a new ice cream flavour every time you get a cone – Summertime is the best time for ice cream. I usually stick with some core ice cream flavours, but I know there are some great ones out there that I never get! So the next time you stop in Avery’s or your local ice cream place, try something new!

Volunteer – The most common excuse I hear for people saying they can’t volunteer is that they’re too busy to volunteer. But since its summer and school is out, you really should have more time to volunteer. If you’re in the Halifax area and looking for volunteer opportunities there are many, including for the Friends of McNabs Island Society. This summer is their 20th Anniversary! They’re having a picnic on McNabs (July 17th). For more information about the event or volunteering check out: www.mcnabsisland.ca.

Grow your own veggies – I have the packets lying next to me right now for peas, carrots and spinach! I’m not much of a gardener, so I figure this year I’ll learn with 3 different plants and next year I’ll try for an entire garden. This is much more sustainable and better for our environment than buying from a chain grocery store. If you aren’t able to grow your own, buy local!

Those are just a few different ideas of what I am going to try and do this summer! If you have any ideas for me leave a comment!

Now that classes are finished for the summer and the temperature is starting to climb, it’s time to dig through your drawer of summer clothes and hit the mall to pick up some hot new items.  Whether you’re having lunch on a patio or going to the beach, here are 5 summer staples that you should have in your closet:

1. Distressed denim shorts. As a student on a budget, it’s hard to justify forking out $40 on a pair of denim shorts. To get the same effect for free, take a pair of old jeans and cut them into shorts. Go here for an easy tutorial. If the washing machine doesn’t distress your shorts to the degree you want them to look, take some sandpaper to them to fray the ends a bit more.

2. Two words- white cotton. Everyone has a white shirt tucked away in their closet, and summertime is the perfect time to debut it. Nothing says “fresh” more than a white cotton tee paired with distressed denim shorts and a few simple accessories.

3.  Bright nail polish. ‘Tis the season for bright polished nails! Opt for colours like fushia, watermelon and my personal favourite mint green! Check out your local drug store for your favourite hues.

4. A versatile summer dress. If you’re going to buy a dress, make sure you can wear it for multiple occasions.  This dress by American Apparel fits the bill for versatility. Dress it up by pairing it with chandelier earrings and heels or dress it down with bangles and flats.

5. Dewy skin. Okay, okay, this isn’t really something you keep in your closet, but its super important in order to achieve a stylish summer look . Start off by lightly brushing your cheeks with blush/bronzer and top it off by smoothing a light moisturizer with SPF over your face. By putting this little trick into your daily beauty routine, you’re protecting and hydrating your skin and making it look like you’re living a stress-free life.

And there you have it! Do you have any of your own style secrets for a great summer look? Please share!

As an English, History and Religion student at university, I find I have it rough. Books are being recommended and forced on me left, right and center. When I do get a chance to read something non-school related, I find I read “quick” novels, murder mysteries that are formulaic and really, they don’t take much brain-power.

That being said, during the school year when I have to read a “good” book (say Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon), I have no will to read it, and it becomes a grudgingly long and tedious task… all because the book is for school.

So, ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to reclaim my summers and reclaim my reading list! And I figured there has to be one or two of you out there who are like me, so, without further ado, I have recommendations for a fantastic summer reading list.

1. Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon – this is a great novel that was the prototype for Sherlock Holmes. A fantastically written mystery with twists and turns. As it was really one of the first of its kind, you never really figure out what is going on until it is explained! ***Note*** those of you who have had to read it for school and are thinking to yourselves “oh man Alix… seriously? this is kind of lame…” pay attention! This book is really cool when read outside of the classroom!

2. The Dream King by Gregor Robinson – this is a Canadian author whose book of short stories gives a whole new dimension to weird, wicked and out of this world! His writing may strike close to home, or may just make you gasp with shocking results; either way this book of short stories is bound to make you think … ***Note*** If you like this book you can read his other book “Hotel Paradiso” and his new book, coming out February 2011 “Providence Island”.

3.  The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson – a shorter read then many novels in this day and age but a page turner nonetheless. Really putting modern day mystery writers to shame with the interesting leaps the author expects the reader to make. Instead of a long drawn out description, Stevenson wants the reader to use their imaginations, making some scenes more horrible and dramatic then they really are!

4. Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson – this novel takes place in British Columbia and is not a mystery (like the first three books on my list). This story is about a Native American girl and the life she leads. The reader encounters tragedy and renewal of hope in a book that brings to light some of the issues in Native American communities.

5.  Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley – this novel is by the brilliant wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley and was the beginning of “monsters that go bump in the night”.  Mary Shelley delves deep into the unexpected side of science to a dark world so few know even less about. This classic is a must read for anyone who likes a clash of science and reality.

6. The Blood of the Lamb by Peter DeVries – this book is about a man’s experience with religion throughout his life and how it changed and/or altered him (and not always for the better). This novel is one of my favorites, not only because it is a compelling read, but because it explores issues and a reality other books dealing with religion choose to ignore or leave out. This is the must-read of summer 2010.

7. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – alright… I caved! Sherlock Holmes is an awesome mystery and totally retro reading experience. Perhaps a little adventerous for when it was written, but an interesting read in the modern day (and no, sadly Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law do not make apperances in the novel…).

8. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova – This novel is a historical fiction based partially on the life of Vlad Tepes III, otherwise known as Vlad Dracula. DO NOT WORRY though, this is no teenaged emo vampire book! This is a thrilling adventure of a young lady finding herself as well as the truth behind Dracula the person (evil dictator, ruthless leader, cunning oponent to the Ottoman Turks) this book has literally everything. Monsters, adventure, a wee bit of romance, travel (and beautiful descriptions of Eastern European countries), this book is my favorite book of all books I have ever read!  ***Note*** If you like this you might check out a book called “Vlad”, it is by a Canadian author and is about the youth of Vlad Dracula (historically accurate for the most part). It gives the reader an interesting look at why he turned out the way that he did.

9. Agatha Christie – Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I do in fact realize that there is no book title here. As I was looking through all my books of hers I realized I cannot choose just one! So, my dear readers, I really must insist you pick up one that looks interesting to you!!! Read away, get carried away, let her wonderful writings transport you to a different world!

10. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – ok, so I really like this book and if the name sounds familiar to you it should! It was mentioned in my previous blog! Yes it is a book intended for a younger audience, BUT it is a book that has a lot more substance then one would think. The book plunges into the story right away (as the children’s backgrounds are purposely hidden we don’t have to deal with boring explanations of who they are) and immediately the reader is grasped by the sense of adventure and passion older readers forget they have! This book is a wonderful, perhaps lighter read for those wishing to escape reality while sitting on a deck chair in the heat of summer!

I know you guys are probably thinking to yourself that there are a lot of older books here, and that there seem to be a lot of mysteries. You are right, but these are only a few of my favorites (and my favorites happen to be mysteries). The older books in here could be considered classics (and are in my eyes) but are totally worth the read! I am always open to book suggestions (I read like it’s nobodies business) and would love to hear any more suggestions for my already extensive list.

Escape reality for just a second, allow your brain to wander… that world is waiting for you to explore. Happy Reading!

In the past couple of weeks I have heard sooo many people complaining about how much they HATE their summer jobs. Suck it up buttercups. A lot of people don’t have summer jobs!

Actually the point of this blog isn’t to critize, it’s to emphasize the IMPORTANCE of those “sucky” summer jobs.

I can already feel your eye’s drooping and your interest fading… WAKE UP this is important! Those crappy summer jobs are going to help you in the long run. I can already hear you saying “no way, not possible, you have NEVER had to work the conditions I have had to so what could you possibly know”. You’re right, I haven’t had to work a lot of different positions, but, from being a ski instructor to young children, to a day camp counsellor, to working in a toy store for three summers, I know and understand the difficulties of working somewhere you don’t want to.

But, ladies and gentlemen, there are benefits so here they are:

1. You will now know how to deal with difficult and adverse situations (if not difficult bosses and coworkers)! You are a better person for it, you can deal with it well, which could potentially earn you brownie points at your next job. Knowing how to deal with a difficult boss or coworker, or tense situation effects all areas of your life.

2. You will have different experience. Often times people hate their first summer jobs, or just summer jobs, and it’s normally not what they want to do. But this way you will learn something new that (if you can believe it or not) be applied to life outside of that particular field of work.

3. Working all summer without vacation seems like a downer but it’s not. I have done it for 4 years now and I gotta tell you, working all year as a student is hard, working all summer as a summer temp is hard … but when you do get downtime (even if it is only one weekend off in the entire summer) you will appreciate it all the more. Real life is like this so think of it as preparation.

4. If you are one of those people looking for a job and desperately trying to find one, don’t be picky! Life is hard enough as it is! Now that you know a job that you may not like could be beneficial to the future you, go get it. The point is that you will be able to support yourself in the future, and that is also super important.

5. For those of you who still rely on your parents, having a crappy summer job teaches you the work ethic you need for school, work, life, reality, arduous people who get on your nerves and just don’t know when to stop….

6. Going along with number 5, it helps you become more financially independant from your parents and starts to teach you the value of money.

7. Last, and finally (I am sorry to all of you who have heard this before but it’s important) these crappy jobs BUILD CHARACTER, they shape and mold you into who you will become. They help you appreciate the better jobs when they come along, and (are you listening first time workers) they will for sure come along!

Summer jobs suck, especially first time summer jobs. But they are good for us in the long run and in the end, it’s only four months of your life, live a little.

As a poor student, keeping yourself warm is not always easy – especially with the cost of heat these days. To make matters worse, we are not even half-way through the winter and already there have been some awfully cold days.

For this reason, I have outlined a few ideas in how to keep warm (and some are fun too!)

1. 1.      Dress Warmly

• Alright, so I started with the most obvious way of keeping warm, but then again, it is the most important. One of the easiest ways in keeping warm is to dress in layers. Dressing in layers also gives you the ability to remove a layer of clothing if you get too warm. This is important as sweating will merely make you colder.
• Now I may sound like a nagging mother here, but another important is to constantly wear a hat. This is because, a large percentage of body heat loss occurs in around the head; therefore, it’s crucial to keep your head covered.

1. 2.      Cook

• Yes, I know, this way of staying warm involves work, but it’s work you’ll be doing on a normal basis regardless of the temperature so do keep a few of these notions in mind.
• Make coffee, soup, or stew by boiling water. Steam will raise the moisture level in your home, making you feel warmer. Also sipping on something hot will also warm-up your body temperature, enabling you to become twice as effective. Or bake your roommates their favourite cookies, as the oven will heat up the kitchen. Leave the oven door open once you are finished and enjoy some delicious warm treats while a breeze of hot air hits you in the face.

1. 3.      Exercise

• Urg, I know, I said the dreaded ‘E’ word, but honestly exercising is a great way of keeping warm. Within 15 minutes of extensive exercise, your heart will be beating and you will become drastically warmer. You will also feel good about yourself, and not only that, your body is becoming healthier, which also allows you to become more tolerant to the cold!

1. 4.      Stay at School

• You’re about to give up on me, I can feel it, but I am not necessarily telling you to do work, so just bear with me. I inform you to stay at school because while you are there, you can utilize as much of their heat that you want and don’t have to pay for it. Nonetheless, if you know that a friendly neighbour has a nice fireplace and electrical heat s/he doesn’t have to pay for; grab a board game and invite yourself over!

1. 5.      Cuddle

• The warmest thing in your house is a warm-blooded animal. So snuggle-up with your dog, roommate, or significant other… as long as it doesn’t turn into patting your love on the head or kissing your dog, steal their body heat all you want!

1. 6.      Tightly Close the Windows and Doors

• This is another tip that may seem evident, but the smallest draft from your window will make a huge difference in temperature. Latch your windows and keep them air-tight. I have also put an old towel around the cracks just to ensure that I am going to stay warm!
• On that note, another way to stay warm is to close off any rooms that aren’t in use. That way heat will only circulate to rooms which desperately need the heat. I’ve made the mistake of closing the roommates’ bedroom door a few times when she wasn’t there and she returned to a freezing room… and was not too happy.

1. 7.      Snuggie

• Yeah, I saved the best for the last – but with the hype of these things these days, you all should have seen this making the list! Enjoy the blanket with sleeves and do your schoolwork in comfort and warmth with your very own Snuggie!

Good Luck Staying Warm!!! Hopefully it will be a Brrrrrrr-eaze!